Srinagar, June 24: The historic 8th Muharram procession wound its way through the traditional route in Srinagar on Wednesday, with thousands of Shia mourners participating in an observance that was revived last year after remaining suspended for over three decades.
The procession, which began at Guru Bazar and passed through Budshah Kadal and MA Road before culminating at Dalgate, marks the commemoration of Hazrat Abbas (AS), the standard-bearer of Imam Hussain (AS) during the Battle of Karbala. Authorities granted permission for the event with conditions including restrictions on provocative slogans, a ban on drone usage, and adherence to the designated schedule.
The route had traditionally been used for the 8th Muharram procession before 1990, when it was discontinued amid militancy-related restrictions. The procession was restored in 2023 and continues to follow its original route under the supervision of the Imam of the Hussaini Committee, Guru Bazar.
Shia cleric Agha Zahid said the procession commemorates Hazrat Abbas (AS), also known as Alamdar-e-Karbala. He noted that the flags carried by mourners symbolise the banner of Islam upheld on the battlefield of Karbala and represent the values of humanity and righteousness.
“Imam Hussain (AS) stood for freedom and justice, and his message continues to inspire people across the world,” Agha Zahid said.
Another cleric, Masroor Abbas Ansari, described the procession as a “message of humanity” and thanked the administration for allowing it after 35 years, while expressing hope for permission for the Ashura rally.
“The 8th Muharram procession, which begins from Abhigudar and ends at Dal Gate, is the biggest congregation in the city and holds historical significance,” Ansari said.
“The LG administration gave us the freedom to hold this mass. We are grateful to them,” he added, asserting that the procession carries a message of “unity, peace, security, and humanity.”
“Imam Hussain is not just a martyr for Shias or Muslims, but a martyr for all humanity. His message is for everyone,” Ansari said.
On the 10th Muharram procession, Ansari urged the administration to take a “bold step.” “For 35 years, governments could not do this due to bureaucratic pressure. This administration has the courage and strength,” he said, calling for allowing the Ashura procession through its traditional route to culminate at Zadibal.
Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, said elaborate arrangements have been put in place for the smooth and peaceful observance of the 8th Muharram across the valley, with multiple government agencies working in tandem to ensure public safety and order.
“Peaceful observance of Muharram has been a part of our culture for centuries and has been revived in the last few years. I thank the people for their cooperation and appeal to them to respect the permissions granted by the district administration,” Garg said.
He said the Muharram session this year is longer, spanning around 45-50 days, and detailed programmes have been finalised in consultation with various committees and stakeholders across all 10 districts where processions are being taken out.
“Our teams are available till evening and will remain deployed throughout the month. Quick response teams are also working on all procession routes,” he added.
The Divisional Commissioner also touched upon the convergence of Muharram observances with the ongoing tourist season and the upcoming Shri Amarnath Yatra, calling for collective responsibility among the administration, media, voluntary organisations and citizens to ensure smooth traffic management.
“I understand that our tourist season is going on simultaneously with Muharram, and the Amarnath Yatra is also starting. It is the responsibility of all of us as a collective unit to cooperate and follow the systems,” Garg said.
On the Amarnath Yatra, Garg said arrangements have been augmented this year in anticipation of a higher number of devotees compared to last year, and all necessary facilities are in place barring the no-fly zone declared by the government for security reasons.
Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Akshay Labroo, said the administration has completed all preparations to ensure the smooth conduct of both the Amarnath Yatra and Muharram processions in the city.
“We have done that preparation and after completing that, we will get the processions of Yatra and Muharram done in Srinagar seamlessly, smoothly, without any issue, with full security in coordination with civil and police administration,” Labroo said.
Meanwhile, Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr Moulvi Muhammad Umar Farooq paid glowing tributes to the martyrs of Karbala, especially Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA), the beloved grandson of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), for his unparalleled sacrifice in upholding the fundamental principles of Islam.
Mirwaiz said that Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) refused to submit before oppression, injustice and falsehood, and by doing so set an eternal example of courage, steadfastness and commitment to truth. He said the tragedy of Karbala remains one of the most defining chapters in Islamic and human history, reminding believers of the values of sacrifice, justice, patience and moral responsibility.
Continuing the centuries-old tradition of the Mirwaizeen, Mirwaiz Dr Umar Farooq will deliver a special sermon on the occasion of Youm-e-Ashoora, 10th Muharram-ul-Haram 1448 AH, corresponding to Friday, June 26, 2026, at Astan-e-Aaliya Alam Sahib, Narwara, Srinagar. The sermon will commence at 4:30 PM and continue until Asr prayers.
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